Upcycling for the future

While recycling is top of mind for all eco-warriors, upcycling is the latest way to show the Earth you care – and it’s more effective than recycling, in many ways. Where recycling requires the breakdown of discarded items to create something new, upcycling keeps the essence of the original item and improves on it to create something of a higher value, thus extending the lifespan of the original materials – and requiring little or no mechanical means and energy to do so.

“When plastic bottles are recycled, for instance, most often they can’t be turned back into containers associated with anything that can be ingested, due to the risk of chemicals seeping into the plastic. As a result, these usually become carpets or toys, or winter fleeces: things that will eventually also become trash,” explains Joe Strydom of ReCreate in Cape Town.

Now that we’re all trying to budget, and thanks to the availability of specialist items at stores such as Builder’s Warehouse, just about anyone with the inclination can give upcycling a go. Projects range from simple afternoon improvements to more indepth projects that could take a full weekend or a few weeks. An hour or two spent on Pinterest and you’re sure to be inspired.

3 upcycling projects to try this weekend

Make stylish storage containers from old cardboard boxes

Almost every appliance we buy comes in a big cardboard box that usually ends up in the recycling bin. Instead of throwing them away, why not wrap them in stylish fabric, add some rope handles and use them inside your cupboard as drawers, or as toy storage containers around the house?

Update your bedroom

Stack old books on top of each other using wood glue, and spray-paint them white. You could even add a chopping board on top to create a gorgeous two-tone side table.

Create a hanging garden

Remove the tops and filaments of lightbulbs using pliers, and create small handles by wrapping the tops in packing string. Fill them with water and flowers, and string them across your patio or hang them from a ceiling hook in a corner of your living room or bedroom, for a hint of whimsy.